AREA FESTIVALS CELEBRATE SEASON, HERITAGE

Every year the second Saturday of October means tasty and interesting fall festivals for many area residents.

Octoberfest kicked off its sixth annual two-day event at Black Forest Saturday. The sun was out and the temperatures were just right for a celebration of the harvest season and the area's rich history.

Meanwhile, in Frohna about 5,000 people flocked from as far as California to get a sweet taste of apple butter and the Saxon Fall Festival, an event commemorating the heritage of the people who migrated from Germany to the small Missouri community.

They shared many characteristics: Both had broom makers, concession stands, music, kettle corn and, most importantly, great fun.

"It's a nice atmosphere," said Greg Macke, the owner of Black Forest Villages, who organizes the annual event. "Everyone comes out and enjoys seeing old-time crafts."

Black Forest Villages is an 1870s replica village, and during Octoberfest it comes alive looking like a page from history.

Such crafters as blacksmiths, chair-makers and old-time photographers blended in with clothing booths, concession stands and barbecue.

Richard N. Henson travels to Octoberfest every year. He is a third-generation broom maker. He even makes the brooms for "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." The television show set in the late 1800s when home-made brooms were the only kind.

Henson, a former coach and high school principal, said a guest appearance on the show is in the works. While battling a hectic schedule, Henson always makes time for Octoberfest.

"It's interesting," he said. "I love this type of setting. It's kind of an escape weekend. It's very unique and special."

Martin and Dorothy Luebke come to the Fall Festival at Frohna every year; they should, they started it. In 1981, the first year of the festival, these two were the curators at the Saxon Lutheran Memorial and they saw a problem.

"The interest in their Lutheran heritage in East Perry County was very low," said Martin Luebke. "Here stood the Saxon Lutheran Memorial at Frohna, here on a beautiful knoll. People were not coming to visit.

"My first objective as curator was to stimulate people to appreciate what we had here."

So they decided to have the fall festival. They featured apple butter and arts and crafts. About 600 people came that first year. Considering 5,000 came Saturday, he considers his project a success.

He said it's also a celebration of the new season.

"The foliage is just right, the apples are ready and my daughter has a long weekend to come with me," he said.

Since founding the festival, they have retired to St. Louis but make sure to come back every year.

Bratwurst, sauerkraut, pies and artifacts were the main attractions for the festival.